How Long Does a Custom Mouthguard Take?
A custom mouthguard is made from an impression of your own teeth, so it takes longer than grabbing one off the shelf. Most of that time is shipping and lab work, not your time. Here is how long each step takes at AlienGuards, and how to avoid delays.
The short answer
- Your time: about 2 minutes to build and order, and about 10 minutes to take your impression.
- Lab time: your guard is crafted within 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression, then shipped with tracking.
- Shipping: in the US, orders ship by USPS First-Class Mail, which usually arrives within five to seven days. Your kit, your impression and your finished guard each make one trip.
Adding those up, a first order in the US usually takes roughly four to six weeks from checkout to delivery, and longer around the holidays. Postal times vary, and we don't guarantee delivery dates. See our shipping policy.
Step by step
| Step | How long |
|---|---|
| 1. Build and order | About 2 minutes |
| 2. We ship your impression kit | USPS First-Class, usually 5–7 days |
| 3. Take your impression at home | About 10 minutes (the putty sets in 2 minutes 30 seconds) |
| 4. Photo check: email us a photo of your impression | We review it quickly and confirm when it's approved |
| 5. Mail it back with the included return label | USPS, usually 5–7 days |
| 6. We make your guard in our San Jose lab | 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression |
| 7. We ship it to you with tracking | USPS First-Class, usually 5–7 days |
International orders ship by USPS First Class International Package Service, with an estimated delivery time of 15–20 days, and international customers are responsible for return shipping of their impressions.
What happens in the lab
We pour a plaster model of your teeth, then heat and pressure-form dental-grade material onto it and finish your guard and design by hand. See how your guard is made.
How to avoid delays
The most common delay is an impression that can't be used, because it means a new impression and another trip in the mail. To get it right the first time:
- Read every step of the impression guide before you open the putty.
- Test each tray first and use the one that covers all your teeth with a little room on the sides.
- Mix the putty quickly, bite down fully and hold still until the timer ends.
- Email a clear photo of your impression to support@alienguards.com with your name and order number before you mail it. We'll tell you whether it can be used.
Messed up the putty or lost a tray? Order a replacement impression kit or extra putty.
Ways to get your guard sooner
- Expedited Lab Service (3 Day): an add-on in the Extras step when you build, for a faster lab turnaround. Working toward a fight, tournament or season start? Contact us before you order so we can talk timing.
- Impression Storage: add it when you build and we keep your model on file. Your next guard can be made without a new impression, which skips the kit and the mail-back, and you get 20% off future reorders. Prices for every model and extra are in how much a custom mouthguard costs.
- Order early: start a few weeks before you need the guard, especially before a season or around the holidays.
If you wear braces
Athletes with braces can get AlienGuards, but don't use the at-home kit. Your dentist needs to take the impression so your braces don't get damaged. Your dentist can take an impression or 3D scan, then ship it to us or email it to impressions@alienguards.com. A scanned impression can be emailed, so there is nothing to mail back. There is no age limit. More in can you wear a mouthguard with braces?
Team and gym orders
Ordering for a team, club or gym? Our team orders program includes 20% off all mouthguards, including NanoBite and PowerBite (minimum order: 5 mouthguards), your team logo and replacements on file. Get in touch early so the guards are ready before the season.
Pick your guard
- Origin and Origin Pro: boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing and other high-contact combat sports.
- NanoBite: our thinnest guard, for wrestling, BJJ, football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, basketball and other team sports.
- PowerBite: powerlifting and weightlifting.
Not sure which? Compare our models.
FAQ
How long does it take to make a custom mouthguard?
Your guard is crafted within 10–14 business days after we receive a good impression. Shipping the kit to you, your impression back to us and the finished guard to you is extra.
How long does the impression take?
About 10 minutes. The putty sets in 2 minutes 30 seconds, and the impression guide walks you through it.
Can I get my mouthguard faster?
Add Expedited Lab Service (3 Day) when you build, and send a photo of your impression before mailing it so it doesn't need a retake. If you have a date to hit, contact us before you order.
What if my impression isn't good?
Email a photo to support@alienguards.com and we'll tell you if it can be used. If not, you can order a replacement impression kit or extra putty.
Do I need a new impression to reorder?
Not if you chose Impression Storage and your teeth haven't changed. We keep your model on file, so you can reorder without a new impression.